Official Seattle information thread Updated 5/28/2014-Oso update

[nyh]

subbing

 

[nyh]

Huh didn't meant to post twice. Anyhow thanks for all the info so far!

 

[pixie08]

Pike place area safety?

So after some reading and some discussion on our cruise thread it has been brought to my attention that the area around Pike place may not be so safe. Many reports target the area of 3rd and Pine as high in seedy activity (drugs etc). I thought this was strange because I never read that in any books or heard anyone here mention it, and many of the desirable hotels are in that area. My hotel is only a few blocks away (6th and Pike).

For any locals..is this true?Are there places to avoid, should we avoid Pike Place at night? We are from NYC so we are pretty used to being aware of our surroundings but many people on some forums reported feeling unsafe in certain touristy parts of Seattle. I was hoping this was just perception

 

[trimix]

The market at Pike Place is closed at night, so there's really no reason to be there after dark.

During the day I have never seen obvious drug activity beyond marijuana, and violent crime is not a concern. Once in a while I hear about a car being broken into, but that's about it.

Just a few blocks away are a lot of popular evening spots, so I suspect your hotel is in a decent area. I have friends who live in a condo roughly between the marker and the Westlake Center; they feel comfortable walking to and from the 5th Avenut Theater, Benaroya Hall, and all the popular nearby restaurants.

 

[Bunless]

The area around Pike Place is no more of a problem than any other downtown area is. In the evening there will be a high police (and bouncer) presence because there are several clubs and entertainment venues.

I honestly laughed when I read the question about it being a seedy area.

Are these people confusing people who have a bohemian lifestyle with drug dealers?

Or perhaps they are confusing downtown with Columbia City, Rainier Ave, and west Kent? There has been an escalating gang problem there... but that's no where near Pike Place.

 

[MillauFr]

I honestly laughed when I read the question about it being a seedy area.

Agreed. I have lived here 20 years and haven't found a seedy area in Seattle yet. The Puget Sound area has a lower than average crime rate. Also the crime rate in the city is generally lower than many of the suburbs.

 

[drgsjh]

As a (transplanted) South Sounder, I'd like to chime in a bit. If you have more than a day or so, there are some great things to do down here in the South Sound area.

Mount Rainier is wonderful if you have the time to make the drive. It will take all day - it does from my house and I'm an hour south of Seattle. Paradise is a good destination.

NorthWest Trek was mentioned - this is a wonderful zoo. All animals from the NW so if you really wanted to see that moose or bear, you can catch them here. They have a tram ride through the free roaming section that is great.

Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma is a nice zoo (I like NW Trek better) but there are some other fun stuff at Point Defiance Park: Fort Nisqually, a trading post from the Hudson Bay Company days, a logging museum complete with train ride, a Japanese garden and plenty of walking trails.

One more animal thing: Wolf Haven, International just south of Olympia. A rescue center for wolves and wolf/dog breeds, they do a great job advocating for their animals. You get an hour-long guided tour here and get to see the wolves do what they do. When we went they were howling as we got out of our cars. Amazing.

There are a few train rides out here for the train buffs - Snoqualmie/North Bend has a train. That's up off of I-90 to the east of Seattle. Chehalis has a steam train that does runs, which is south of Olympia. Mount Rainier Scenic Railway also does runs near (but not into) Mount Rainier National Park. Yes, we have a train fan in our house and have done all three.

The Glass Museum in Tacoma is very nice, as is the Tacoma Art Museum. They are close to each other and could easily be done together. The Washington State History museum is also nearby. My kids love this one. Don't be scared of Tacoma. I have managed to navigate and visit it multiple time with just me and my kids in the last three years and have always been fine.

Both Tacoma and Olympia have children's museums that are getting new buildings this year. They were good in the past, should be better in the new buildings.

Mount St. Helens is an absolute favorite of our family. We have been many times and visited both the state visitor's center at the bottom and federal one at the highest overlook. Both are well done. It's something you have to see to appreciate. It's a long drive from Seattle (again, it takes us a full day and we're an hour south) but if you have time and a car, it's worth it. One caveat, be sure you can see the volcano from Johnston Ridge before you head that way. Their website has a webcam so you can check. If there are clouds up there you will not be able to see Mount St Helens at all.

If Navy ships are your thing, there is the USS Turner Joy in Bremerton. It's a Vietnam era destroyer. You can take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton.

I'd also like to say don't skip the Space Needle if you want to do it. It's fun. It's Seattle. IF you have a nice day, the views are nice. You can also go up at night if your time is tight. Parents do be forewarned about the carnival rides at the bottom. Your kids will want to ride them.

I'd also like to add my recommendation for the Gold Rush Museum near Pioneer Square. It is fairly new and was very well done. My DD8 and DS4 both enjoyed it, as did my DH and I. They have the best Junior Ranger books I have ever seen and we do these frequently. Staff couldn't have been nicer and we all learned something.

Sorry this is long but thought I'd throw some other things out there for those with more days. We're excited about our cruise in July. Family coming out and joining us for this one. Now if I can just figure out the best way to get 9 people and their gear from my house in the south to the terminal without having to drive and park both cars there, I'd be getting somewhere.

 

[Bunless]

As a (transplanted)

Mount Rainier is wonderful if you have the time to make the drive. It will take all day - it does from my house and I'm an hour south of Seattle. Paradise is a good destination.


Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma is a nice zoo (I like NW Trek better) but there are some other fun stuff at Point Defiance Park: Fort Nisqually, a trading post from the Hudson Bay Company days, a logging museum complete with train ride, a Japanese garden and plenty of walking trails.

Mount Rainier (locals call it simply, The Mountain) is just breathtaking. Going to Paradise was one of the first times that I truly understood why people were awed by nature. I actually cried when I got there, got out, and looked around. Just over whelming in the beauty.

I've only been to Point Defiance Zoo in the winter (Zoolights) but it is completely charming. If you're into elephants, one of the things they do is help troubled elephants--those who were in abusive situations and act out.

 

[pixie08]

Agreed. I have lived here 20 years and haven't found a seedy area in Seattle yet. The Puget Sound area has a lower than average crime rate. Also the crime rate in the city is generally lower than many of the suburbs.

being from NYC myself I am pretty sure I am not going to think of Seattle as unsafe it's just like here I'm sure. There are some outlying areas that wouldn' t be smart to run around with all your diamonds and wits but who does that ? Well don't answer that

I always read Seattle was pretty safe so I am glad to hear it is mostly as I assumed perception from people who may not be used to big cities.

 

[AAshleySEG]

Public Transportation:
My DH and I (no kids) are planning on walking and using public transportation for all of our time in Seattle (with the exception of taking a cab to the Pier). I just had a few questions for people that actually live there I live in a small town in NC and we pretty much don't even have sidewalks, let alone any type of public transportation, but we are very adept at using it. We have used it in major cities Boston, Chicago, NYC, (WDW...), Paris, etc. Seattle seems to be a bit more challenging only because of the different systems and companies that run them all. We have already gotten ORCA cards to use. I just want to put a few highlights of our tentative transport to make sure it seems feasible considering we have never been there! I know there are going to be a lot of questions in this but hopefully they will be easy to answer! Thanks in advance for all of your help!

We are staying at Mayflower Park and planning on taking the Light Rail from the airport to the Hotel (2 Large Roller Bags, 1 Small Roller Bag and then Backpack and Camera Bag) Should be fine? p.s. We walked with the same bags from the Disneyland Paris Train Station to Sequoia Lodge in the snow and were fine

Walking from Gelatiamo on 3rd Ave & Union to Safeco Field? No dodgy area to walk through?

Is it easy to get to the Stadium Light Rail station from the Stadium? Easy as in well marked?

Planning on Walking from the Hotel to the Olympic Sculpture Park but later on taking a bus from there to Interbay to Red Mill Burgers and back (hubby really wants to go there) Anything we need to worry about there?

And on the day when we get back into port our flight doesn't leave until 10:50pm that night, we have a red-eye back to NC, We are planning on either stowing our luggage at the hotel or using the service at the airport so we can still explore the city. I know there is a bus route from the Pier, I think the stop is Magnolia Bridge and Pier 91 that we could take, but would it just be better to go ahead and opt for a cab back to Mayflower Park?

I think that is about all for questions, I have a lot of activities planned (fingers crossed that Chihuly Garden & Glass will be open), We are doing 3 Mariners/Dodgers games at Safeco, Savor Seattle Tour, Seattle Center, Olympic Sculpture Park, Red Mill Burgers, Serious Pie, hope all of that stuff isn't too touristy... Sorry again for the super long post

 

[mellers]

We are staying at Mayflower Park and planning on taking the Light Rail from the airport to the Hotel (2 Large Roller Bags, 1 Small Roller Bag and then Backpack and Camera Bag) Should be fine? p.s. We walked with the same bags from the Disneyland Paris Train Station to Sequoia Lodge in the snow and were fine

You should be fine.

Walking from Gelatiamo on 3rd Ave & Union to Safeco Field? No dodgy area to walk through?

Just before a game, it shouldn't be a problem.

Is it easy to get to the Stadium Light Rail station from the Stadium? Easy as in well marked?

Just follow the people in Teal Blue Seriously, you won't have any trouble getting there.

Planning on Walking from the Hotel to the Olympic Sculpture Park but later on taking a bus from there to Interbay to Red Mill Burgers and back (hubby really wants to go there) Anything we need to worry about there?

Sorry--nobody in the family can eat burgers, so we haven't headed out that way.

And on the day when we get back into port our flight doesn't leave until 10:50pm that night, we have a red-eye back to NC, We are planning on either stowing our luggage at the hotel or using the service at the airport so we can still explore the city. I know there is a bus route from the Pier, I think the stop is Magnolia Bridge and Pier 91 that we could take, but would it just be better to go ahead and opt for a cab back to Mayflower Park?

I'd probably take the taxi, myself. If you want to go a little cheaper, reserve with http://www.eastsideforhire.com/. They are usually cheapest.

I think that is about all for questions, I have a lot of activities planned (fingers crossed that Chihuly Garden & Glass will be open), We are doing 3 Mariners/Dodgers games at Safeco, Savor Seattle Tour, Seattle Center, Olympic Sculpture Park, Red Mill Burgers, Serious Pie, hope all of that stuff isn't too touristy... Sorry again for the super long post

I think you'll be plenty busy--seriously though, have a great time. We moved here 6 years ago and we love it here.

 

[MillauFr]

Ditto to everything Mellars said.

 

[lchan1982]

I love this post. Great info. in helping me to plan our honeymoon trip. My wife and I will be staying in Seattle for two days before going on the May 28 cruise.

We will be staying at the Mayflower Hotel. It's a little expansive for us but we love the location of the place. Hope it would be a great hotel to start our trip.

 

[disneydance]

Alternatively (although I cannot say whether or not the hotel is nice--I have never stayed there), the Quality Inn by Seattle Center has a shuttle to your cruise--double-check with the hotel that this includes Pier 91, but I think it should:

http://www.qualityinnseattle.com/park-cruise.html

If somebody has stayed there, perhaps they can give you a review.

I have not stayed here but I have stayed at the Holiday Inn across the street and we had a view of the hotel. It was not up to my personal standards to be honest. The outside grounds brought more to be desired. And the pool had open windows where everyone could see you. I was personally not impressed.

 

[mellers]

I'd also like to say don't skip the Space Needle if you want to do it. It's fun. It's Seattle. IF you have a nice day, the views are nice. You can also go up at night if your time is tight. Parents do be forewarned about the carnival rides at the bottom. Your kids will want to ride them.

The carnival rides have all been pulled out, and the building that used to house the mini golf, Puff and Dumbo, and Lazer Tag is being converted into a Chihuly Glass Garden

 

[Bunless]

I have a lot of activities planned (fingers crossed that Chihuly Garden & Glass will be open),

Ok, why do people like Chihuly? honest question. I've seen one piece of his that I've found interesting. It is in the Lincoln Towers in Bellevue.

In my circle of friends, the Chihuly museum is an eye-rolling why-are-they-doing-that thing, but no one can articulate why.

I've always felt that If you've seen one of his works, you've seen them all.

Would love some enlightenment.

 

[AAshleySEG]

Ok, why do people like Chihuly? honest question. I've seen one piece of his that I've found interesting. It is in the Lincoln Towers in Bellevue.

In my circle of friends, the Chihuly museum is an eye-rolling why-are-they-doing-that thing, but no one can articulate why.

I've always felt that If you've seen one of his works, you've seen them all.

Would love some enlightenment.

I don't know how much enlightenment I can offer but in my experience art is a very subjective thing. As for why I like his work, I think it is beautiful, the colors, textures, patterns, shapes are mesmerizing. I don't know how much of his work you have seen? I also just really like glass art... I mean it is like trying to sell Disney on someone who doesn't get it...they eye roll at me when I say I'm going to WDW again I don't know that there is an actual reason why people like what they like lol, I imagine there are people that would be bored at the Louvre in Paris....but not us I probably didn't help at all....

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Ok, why do people like Chihuly? honest question. I've seen one piece of his that I've found interesting. It is in the Lincoln Towers in Bellevue.

In my circle of friends, the Chihuly museum is an eye-rolling why-are-they-doing-that thing, but no one can articulate why.

I've always felt that If you've seen one of his works, you've seen them all.

Would love some enlightenment.

Like Ashley said, art is a subjective thing. There is some art that I don't like. But, I personally really like Chilhuly. I love the chandeliers he does, especially on the Magic and Wonder. He had an exhiibit here at our Botantical Garden and it was breathtaking to see his art blended with the cactus at the garden. I could spend hours looking at it.

I personally can't wait to see the exhibit in Seattle this summer.

To each their own.

 

[MillauFr]

Yes art is subjective and people's taste change with time. Who knows in a 100 years they maybe forgotten or they could be considered priceless works. When I was in Paris at the Musee d' Orsay I was surprised to find out many in the art world of the late nineteenth century considered the impressionist paintings "junk" They would be shocked how much those "junk" paintings are going for today.

 

[AAshleySEG]

Thanks guys for the answers to my questions! I really appreciate it, Oh and also I did find out that they have a Tentative Opening Date for the Chihuly Garden & Glass for May 21st, keep in mind it is only tentative, but if I hear anything else I will post it Their facebook page says that they will start selling tickets about 30 days prior to opening, so hopefully late April if anyone is interested.